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 Replies: 15 / Views: 469 |
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New Member
Australia
4 Posts |
Hi all. A friend has an old Chinese figure made out of Chinese coins. She wonders the best way to value this? I'm assuming the value (if there is much) would more likely be in the coins themselves rather than them strung together as a figure? If so what's her best method to start working out it's value? It's pretty dirty as it's quite old. So, look at it as it is? Cut all the coins off and look at the coins individually to assess? Or does the whole ensemble hold a value? Also, can it easily be cleaned without damage? David  |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
3465 Posts |
Welcome to coincommunity
Before pulling the coins out, it would be best to leave it as it is and try to take better photos. If I am not wrong, common cash coins were used to make these. If this is true, it makes more sense to sell it as art. It used to be quite common as tourist pieces but have vanished in the last 20 years.
I could be wrong but the figure looks more Bali / Indonesian origin.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
69007 Posts |
Good advice.  to the CCF! |
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New Member
Australia
4 Posts |
Thanks. She told me it was bought in China, but it was her late husbands who received it at some point before they married.
The coins are that dirty, it's hard to get some decent photos.
I thought it would be more of a tourist item and would only have value in the coins if one happened to be something, but not intentionally designed to have great value.
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New Member
Australia
4 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
3465 Posts |
Very interesting. Most coins are of the late Qing dynasty cash coin but more surprisingly is the use of Japanese cash coins. I am of the opinion that this is crafted in Indonesia. The use of Japanese cash coin makes less sense if this was done in China. See examples of Bali cash coin figure art https://www.google.com/search?q=bal...UoAHoECAEQAAThis is best left as it is. |
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Moderator
United States
113567 Posts |
to the Community!
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Valued Member
United States
146 Posts |
As an interesting piece of ethnic art, I recommend that it be left as is -- certainly not taken apart.
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Moderator
United States
23748 Posts |
Quote:
I'm assuming the value (if there is much) would more likely be in the coins themselves rather than them strung together as a figure? First, welcome to CCF. Second, I think the advice given of keeping it whole and uncleaned is spot on. It is a little unwieldy, but a fun decoration as-is.
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Moderator
United States
113567 Posts |
I agree. It is best to leave this intact. Nothing much to gain by disassembly, but plenty to be lost.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2535 Posts |
Here's a pile of similar cash coins for sale on eBay. Worth about 50 cents each. This lot would be about enough to build your figurine. https://www.ebay.com/itm/3251207529...BFBMtPWf5plgMy guess is that the intact figurine is worth more than $25. I'd be cautious about getting it wet because of the old twine used to hold it together. Better to brush it and vacuum it. "Two minutes ago I would have sold my chances for a tired dime." Fred Astaire
Edited by thq
05/16/2022 4:42 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1700 Posts |
Good God, the value left intact is FAR more than the coins themselves, which are likely common cash types.
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE!!!
Honestly more of an "antique" or piece of art than a numismatic item.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2535 Posts |
"Two minutes ago I would have sold my chances for a tired dime." Fred Astaire
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
19692 Posts |
Far more value as an artwork, than the sum total of the coins for numismatic value
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New Member
Australia
4 Posts |
Thanks all. I will pass this all on.
It does look very similar to that Bali figurine.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
529 Posts |
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Replies: 15 / Views: 469 |
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Posted 05/16/2022 11:00 am
